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Are you a rising star?

Posted on 15th June 2015by PROinsider

Have you entered the PRO Hair & Beauty Rising Star Awards yet? Well what are you waiting for?! Not sure if you’ve got what it takes? Check out the video below to see exactly what the judges are looking for! We’ve even rounded up a few of our favourite rising stars featured in PRO Hair & Beauty magazine for an extra dose of inspiration.

Nail technician: Jazz Smedley [SEPT/OCTOBER 2013]

Achievements: Competed in the 2012 Nailympics and worked backstage at London and Paris Fashion Week.

Why did you decide to become a nail artist?
I was brought up in the nail/beauty industry, and so I just developed a passion for it when I started caring about my appearance I realised how important nails are and how they complete an outfit – and from then on I was obsessed!

Who inspires you?
My parents (Jason and Georgie Smedley own Nail Harmony), they give me so much support, and my mum is so fantastic at what she does that it just shows that hard work pays off.

Who is your industry icon?
I don’t even have to think twice – Marian Newman. She turned the nail industry into what it is today, and I’ve had the privilege of working with her and her team at London Fashion Week.

What piece of advice would you give to other stars of the future?
Be prepared. A lot of people don’t understand that there’s more to being a nail technician than just painting nails.

Make-up artist: Laura Hunt [JAN/FEB 2014]

Achievements: Finalist for Make-up Professional of the Year 2013; Lead MUA at Miami Fashion week 2012

Why did you decide to become a nail artist?
I have had a huge love of make-up for as long as I can remember, although it wasn’t until I met an established make-up artist that I realised you could make a career out of it. I quit the job I was doing and never looked back!

Who is your industry icon?
I love Charlotte Tilbury’s beautiful, feminine work and Pat McGrath is so original and creative. I once watched Alex Box working and it took my breath away.

Who would your dream celebrity client be?
I really love to do Emma Willis’ s make-up. I love her style and she has the most amazing face – her eyes are gorgeous.

What piece of advice would you give to other stars of the future?
Perseverance is the key. Success doesn’t come overnight, but working hard and enjoying what you do will help you achieve your goals.

If you want to see your name on our rising stars alumni, then enter the awards here!

Barber: Darryn Pitman – [SEPT/OCT 2014]

Achievements: Wahl British Barber of the Year 2014

What inspires you?
Success and happiness: Whether it’s seeing the success of others or enjoying the feeling when I succeed. There’s also nothing better than watching someone leave the salon with a smile on their face.

Who is your industry icon?
Dale Ted Watkins for his classic barbering. I had the pleasure of working with him earlier this year – he is a master craftsman.

What advice would you give to upcoming rising stars?
Believe in yourself. If you feel you have something special, do all you can to be the best you can and showcase that talent.

Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
I’m building my brand name through social media and will do all I can to make the dream a reality.

Hairstylist: Jonathan Andrew [NOV/DEC -2013]

Achievements: Member of the ghd international creative team, works backstage at London Fashion Week and alongside Jamie Stevens on The X Factor

Why did you decide to become a hairdresser?
I was born into it! Most of my family are connected to the industry: my uncle, Tom McMillan, opened a hair salon Cox McMillan, where I started my career.

Who or what inspires you?
I am fortunate to be able to play golf at some amazing courses and that give me time to take in nature and see what is happening season to season. Social media also provides a global outlet for people to see and learn new things.

Who is your industry icon?
Jamie Stevens. To be a young hairdresser who takes the industry by storm is something every hairdresser aspires to, and he has shown me that hard work enables you to achieve your dreams.

What piece of advice would you give to other stars of the future?
Keep going! It’s easy to get down hearted when things don’t go the way you want but hard worked will get you there in the end.